Collapsible supporting frame for table and seat units



May 23, 1933. MACDONALD 1,910,704

GOLLAPSIBLE SUPPORTING FRAME FOR TABLE AND SEAT UNITS Filed Sept. 15, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ATTORN EY MACDONALD 1,910,704

COLLAPSIBLE SUPPORTING FRAME FOR TABLE AND SEAT UNITS May 23, 1933.

Filed Sept. 15 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 23, 1933 IAN MACDONALD, OF MODES'IO, CALIFORNIA COLLAPSIBLE SUPPORTING FRAlVIE FOR, TABLE AND SEAT UNITS Application filed September 15, 1932. Serial No. 633,222.

This invention relates to collapsible table and seat units and particularly represents improvements over the frame structure shown in my co-pending application for Patcut, Serial No. 624,388, filed July 25, 1932. My main objects now are to construct and arrange the parts of the collapsible frame in such a manner that such construction is simplified and the cost of manufacture lessened;

the frame when set up will present a neater appearance; and lighter material without sacrifice of rigidity and strength may be used than as the case with the previous structure;

A further object of the invention is to produce a simple and inexpensive device and yet one which will be exceedingly effective for the purpose for which it is designed.

These objects I accomplish by means of such structure and relative arrangement of parts as will fully appear by a perusal of the following specification and claims.

In the drawings similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several views:

v Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled structure including the table and seats. Fig. 2 is a similar view ofthe supporting framework alone shown as partly collapsed or folded.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the frame structure fully folded.

Figs. 4 and 5 are fragmentary views showing the detachable connection means between the horizontal frame bars and the corner legs. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan View showing the supporting engagement of the table with the adjacent ends of a pair of the frame uprights or diagonals.

1 Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the table 40 partly folded showing the seats and the folded leg unit therein.

Referring now more particularly to the characters of reference on the drawings, the frame structure defines a square area and is 4 of the same general shape as in sa-id above mentioned co-pending application. It comprises four square corner legs 1 of a convenient seat height. Extending upwardly and. toward each other from the bottom of adjacent legs'on their outer sides are diagonal bars 2. The adjacent upper ends of these diagonals are connected together on their inner faces by a downwardly folding strap hinge 8, while the lower ends are connected to the legs at the bottom by bolts 4.

Extending between the different pairs of adjacent legs in front of the diagonals and substantially on the same level when outstretched as the top of the legs are bar units each comprising a pair of bars 5 of the same length. These are connected at their adjacent ends by an upwardly folding strap hinge 6 on the outside and are pivoted to the diagonals atltheir points ofcrossing by rivets or bolts 7.

By means of the above arrangement of parts it will be seen that the horizontal bar units limit the divergence and consequently the lowering of the diagonals without interfering with the upward folding movement of the same. The divergence of the latter is also limited by the engagement of the upper ends of cooperating diagonals with each other when they are opened up or'in operative positions. The bars of adjacent units at thecorners of the frame structure terminate in somewhat spaced. relation to each other as shown in Fig. 5, being connected on their inner faces by rigid right angle straps 8 pivoted at their ends to the barsby belts or rivets 9 extending therethrough. Secured to the corners of the legs below the bars are vertical strips 10 formed with a lateral outwardly extending offset intermediate their ends so that the hinge straps 8 at their exposed corners'between the corresponding bar members may project between the legs and upper portions of the straps 10 as plainly shown. The space between the upper portion of said straps and the legs is less than the thickness of the diagonals :2, which are disposed between the legs and. bars 5.

hen the hinge straps are engaged between the legs and the straps 10 therefore said legs are s n'ung outwardly somewhat thus placing the parts under a certain tension and aiding in establishing and maintaining rigidity of the extended frame. This spring ing of the legs of course also tends to spring the bars and diagonals somewhat which also aids in. giving them rigidity. This feature allows lighterstock for the frame members to be used than is otherwise the case without any lessening of strength and rigidity.

In addition the bars 5 serve to support the triangular seat boards 11. which are located against horizontal shifting by reason of their notched engagement with the adjacent portions of the diagonals, to which said boards extend. The notches in the seats are at right angles to their faces and both ends of the seats being symmetrical it is immaterial which side is placedup or down. Any weight on the central area of the seats presses down on the tops of the legs so that undue strain on the bar units at the ends and which would tend to buckle them upwardly at the center is avoided. The seats also prevent upward movement of the bars and collapse of the frame workas long as any one seat is occupied.

The table is preferably formed of three parallel. sections 12 hinged together for relative downward folding movement, for the purpose as set forth in my co-pending application for patent, Serial: No. 633,233, filed September 15, 1932. The two outermost sections when outstretched ar braced againstdownward buckling by hinged link straps 13 extending between and under said sections, as shown in Fig. 7

c The table sections are provided with a rigid depending flange It all around. The inner faces of this flange at the corners of the outer sections wedgingly engage the outer edges of the co-operating pairs of diagonals as shown in Fig. 6. This feature causes the diagonals to be sprung in slightly enhancing the rigidity of the assembled structure as well as positively preventing shifting of the table relative to the frame. This also. permits the use of lighter frame material while assuring ample strength and rigidity. This feature is of course obtained. by making the table and its surrounding flange slightly smaller in dimensions than the. actual distances between the diagonals when the latter are unsprung.

The new arrangement of the parts of the i iune structure also enables the same to be folded into a more compact space than was previously the case so that they may be conveniently packed when folded inside the folded: table, as shown in Fig. 7 and as particularly set forth in said co-pending application last above mentioned,

From the foregoing description it will be readily seen that I have produced such a device as substantially fulfills the objects of the invention as set forth herein.

Vhile this specification sets forth in detail the presentand preferred construction of the device, still in practice such deviations from such detail may be resorted to as do not form a departure from the spirit of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and useful and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1, In a folding table and seat unit, a foldable table and seat supporting frame comprising corner legs, table-supporting members conyerging upward y 'EOWQrd each other from and abutting against the outer faces of adjacent legs, pivot connections between said legs and members, horizontal seat-supporting bar-units disposed outwardly of said members and pivoted thereto, said units each comprising a pair of bars together extending between adjacent legs substantially on a level with the top of the legs, and downwardly folding hinge connections between the adjacent ends of adjacent bars; hinge means connecting adjacent bars of adjacent units, and means between the legs and said hinge means to tie them together when the frame is fully unfolded and arranged so as to spring the legs toward the corresponding ends of the bars. i

2. In a folding table and seat unit, a foldable table and. seat supporting frame comprising Corner legs, table-supporting mein bers converging upwardly toward each other from and abutting against the outer faces of adjacent legs, pivot connections between said. legs, and members, horizontal ing bar units. disposed outwardly of said members and pivoted thereto, said units each comprising a pair of bars together extending between adjacent legs substantially on a. level with the top of the legs, and downwardly folding hinge connections between the adjacent ends of adjacent bars; rigid angle straps abutting against the'side faces of and extending between the adjacent ends of adjacent units, hinge pins throughv said straps and bars, and rigid members secured to the legs and projecting upwardly to engage the outer faces of the straps'bet'wei-ni the bars when the units are fully unfolded.

3. In a folding table andseat unit, a foldable table andseat supporting frame comprising corner legs, table-supporting mem bers converging upwardly toward each other from and abutting against the outer faces of adjacent legs, pivotconnections between said legs and members, horizontal seat-supporting bar units disposed outwardly of said mem bers and pivoted thereto, said units each comprising: a pair of bars together extending between adjacent legs substantially on a level seatsupportwith the top of the legs, and downwardly folding hinge connections between the adjacent ends of adj acent bars; rigid angle straps abutting against the inner side faces of the adjacent bars of adjacent units at the corners, hinge pins through. said straps and bars, and means on the legs for engagement with saicl straps when the bars are out stretched to hold the legs against possible inward deflection.

In testimony whereof I :nlix my signature.

IAN MACDONALD. 

